Tuesday, September 23, 2014

One Wish Away cover reveal

I'm super excited for Kelley Lynn's cover reveal for her new book, ONE WISH AWAY. I had the opportunity to critique this one, and I've been anxiously waiting for its release. It's so good, you guys. November can't come soon enough! Isn't it beautiful? Congrats, Kelley!

One Wish Away
Release Date: 11/11/14
Bloomsbury Spark

Book Summary:
Be careful what you wish for…

Lyra has always been ahead of the curve. Top of her class in school, a budding astronomer, and with a best friend like Darren she barely has time to miss the mother who abandoned her family years ago. She's too busy planning to follow in her father's footsteps, and to become the youngest astronomer at Space Exploration and Discovery.

When a star goes missing Lyra is determined to get to the bottom of it only to discover her braniac dad is the mastermind of a top-secret government experiment. They promise to build a perfect world, one galaxy at a time, but with every tweak of the present, a bit more of the future starts to crumble.

Lyra has to go undercover to reveal the truth and let humanity decide if the consequences are worth more than wishing on a star.

About the Author
Eventually the day came when the voices in Kelley Lynn’s head were more insistent then her engineering professor’s. So instead of turning to her Thermodynamics book, Kelley brought up a blank page on her computer screen and wrote. Somewhere along the way she became a Young Adult author.

Kelley was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her stories.

You can find Kelley hanging out at her blog, titled in her name, as well as the group blog she shares with her fellow critique partners, Falling for Fiction. Kelley is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators.

Author Links:
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Cover Reveal Organized by:

Monday, September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures

Today I'm participating in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Underrated Treasures Blogfest where I get to share the movie, band, TV show, and book that I love, but for one reason or another seems to stay under the radar. Here goes:


The Maze Runner (movie)

I know what you're thinking...this movie isn't exactly under the radar. In fact, it secured the number one spot this past weekend in the box office, and rightly so. But I wanted to spotlight it because it's based on the novel by fellow YA author, James Dashner--and I got to watch it with him along with my family and other writer friends (you might recognize a few pictured here)! How cool is that?


I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, my teenagers next to me constantly grabbing my arm and gasping during the non-stop action and surprises. I loved it...highly recommended! The second film is already underway, and the September 18th, 2015 release was just announced. I can't wait!



Chelsea Lankes

I'm constantly on the search for new music to write to, and lately I seem to be tuning into Chelsea Lankes. All of her songs definitely fall in the pop range (which isn't my usual thing) but with enough synth influence to make me an instant fan. Her debut album releases soon, and I have a feeling she's one to look out for.



The Killing

It's a dark crime drama that lasted three seasons on AMC and was recently revived for six more episodes on Netflix. I admit the Netflix versions were too dark for me and I didn't make it past the first of those episodes. The first two seasons cover just one murder investigation, but right down to the last thirty seconds of the last episode of season two, my jaw hit the floor. I have never been so shocked to find out who the real killer was in any story ever. My husband and I still talk about it. Also, Joel Kinnaman's character Stephen Holder is my #1 favorite character of all time. I'm talking books, movies, you name it. He's the winner. I want to write an entire novel just based around a character like that. I LOVE him.



Dreamhunter/Dreamquake

This is a fantasy duet by New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox. It takes place in an alternate universe Edwardian version of New Zealand where you can visit the Rainbow Opera and while you sleep, have your dreams guided by a professional dreamhunter. One of the most original stories I've ever read. As soon as I finished the second book I went straight to the first to read the whole thing again. It also has one of my favorite (non-human) characters of all time.























There you have it...my underrated treasures. What movie, band, TV show, or book do you feel is underrated?

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Learning To Share

Join the IWSG
With my debut novel coming out next month (eep!) I have a lot to feel insecure about right now. A LOT. But I want to offer a little encouragement to other writers out there who are struggling, especially those who are in the process of pursuing publication.

We often talk about remembering why we write. Maybe it's because we love it, it makes us happy, it's a way to cope, it's purely a creative outlet, it connects us to our inner selves. Whatever the reason, writing is hard, and remembering why we do it when it becomes a struggle can help us get through those tough times.

I think it's just as important to remember why we publish. Because we love it? Because it makes us happy? A way to cope? Um...not quite the same, is it?

While I feel like writing is all about ME and what I want, publishing is all about US. My favorite scene may end up on the cutting room floor, or my favorite character might have to be re-imagined into someone slightly different to suit the story better. I may need to delete or add, edit and rewrite. And rewrite again.

But that's okay.

Because this publishing thing is a shared endeavor, with agents and editors and readers all having a hand in the final product. And that's really exciting when you think about it. When times get tough, that's what I need to remember...I'm publishing because I want to share my story.

I want others to read it and enjoy it, but I also want them to cry and laugh and love the same way I have--and in ways I haven't. I want them to see themselves in my characters and find a similar kind of hope and courage. To have the story touch them in a meaningful way.

Why do you publish (or hope to publish) your writing?

A few REMAKE "publishing" updates:

  • You can now preorder it for your Kindle or Nook in addition to a beautiful hardcover edition. 
  • Speaking of beautiful hardcovers...my publisher sent me copies. Aren't they gorgeous? >>>
  • You can also read a nice chunk of the first chapter on Goodreads. Just click on the "open preview" tab beneath the book cover. 
  • REMAKE is on NetGalley.
  • I received my first official trade review from Publishers Weekly. While not terrible (phew), it is a bit spoilery. (Fair warning)
  • I was spotlighted as part of Utah Book Month.
  • Oh, and I'm having a launch party on October 17th at The King's English Bookshop. If you're in Utah, I'd LOVE to see you there! 
  • And if you're not in Utah, you can still get a personalized signed copy by ordering it at this link and letting them know.


Lay your hand in mine...